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Cathy Nichols - Mixed Media Artist, Teacher & Oracle Deck Creator

Hi, I’m Cathy Nichols — mixed media artist, teacher, and lover of all things color and story. I help women reconnect with their creativity through joyful painting, expressive art journaling, and soulful visual storytelling. I’m the creator of Joy of Painting, Art Journal Alchemy, and Create Your Own Oracle Deck - three signature online courses that celebrate beauty, imperfection, and personal expression. I’m also the artist behind three bestselling oracle decks — The Synchronicity Deck, Story Cards, and The Flower Medicine Deck — all designed to inspire intuitive insight and creativity. Whether I'm teaching color theory, leading retreats, or painting birds and blooms, my goal is to help others make art that feels both magical and meaningful.

Art Journal Alchemy Class
Featured Post

🎨 Art Journal Alchemy is Open for Registration + Bonus Class for Early Birds!

Hello Reader, I’m so excited to share that Art Journal Alchemy is now officially open for Early Bird Registration — and as someone on the waitlist, you’re first in line! I created Art Journal Alchemy because returning to art journaling sparked a creative breakthrough for me — one filled with freedom, joy, and a restored connection to soulful art-making. I knew I had to share that magic with you! While I rarely do live online classes, I love this one so much that I've decided to make it a...

The Song She Holds

Dear Reader June’s birth flower is the rose—a symbol of love, new beginnings, and the beauty that unfolds when we allow ourselves to bloom. So it feels fitting that this newsletter marks not just the release of my new painting, The Song She Holds, but also a new shift in how I’ll be sharing with you each month. Alongside new work and offerings, I’ll be including more inspiration, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and favorite creative finds to enrich your creative journey. In this issue, you’ll...

Hello Reader, Just a quick reminder—tonight (June 1) is the last chance to register as an Early Bird for Art Journal Alchemy! This course is unlike anything I’ve taught before—a six-week creative experience designed to help you express yourself more freely, tap into your imagination, and uncover beauty in unexpected places. You will have lifetime access to the course and all of its recordings. 15+ inspiring art journal lessonsArt journaling demos and promptsLive sessions to connect & reflect...

Hello Reader, I’m absolutely over-the-moon to share that registration is officially open for two back-to-back art retreats in France during the summer of 2026 — right when the poppies are in full bloom! We'll soak in the beauty of the French countryside, paint en plein air and in the studio, enjoy gourmet meals, and explore world heritage sites together. Both retreats are all-inclusive. Just show up with your art supplies for an unforgettable experience! You have two amazing options to choose...

Hello Reader, I've just returned from the truly magical "Playful Blooms" art retreat on Lake Santeetlah, and I have two new paintings to share with you inspired by the creative energy and gorgeous surroundings of this pristine natural preserve. If you missed "Playful Blooms", don't worry! I have one more retreat coming up this year at Artists Rising in Connecticut. There are a few spots left, and I would love for you to join us! You'll paint gorgeous mixed media flowers, learn lots of new...

Hello Reader, Do you still have questions about Joy of Painting? I'm here to give you answers! Below you'll find some of my most frequently asked questions, but feel free to email me back with any of your own! I hope you decide to join us and to make 2024 a year to dive into color, creativity and joy with a supportive new group of creative friends (starting with me!). Enroll Now in Joy of Painting! Frequently Asked Questions Q. What materials do I need for this course? Answer: Basic acrylic...